Daniel Vázquez Díaz met José Ortega y Gasset around 1912 as a result of their collaborations with the magazine Mundial. From then on they encountered each other frequently in Madrid; at Ortega’s home, the editorial office of the Revista de Occidente, and at the Residencia de Estudiantes [Student Residence]. Thanks to Ortega, Vázquez Díaz presented an exhibition of 70 canvases at the headquarters of the Revista de Occidente on Serrano Street in May of 1947. This exhibition served as a reference point within his post-war work.

After the philosopher’s death, Vázquez Díaz discussed his relationship with Ortega y Gasset in an article published in the newspaper ABC on October 15, 1961. The artist regretted not having been able to finish a portrait they had been planning and postponing for a long time. What remains is this drawing of the thinker in his death bed: a noble and serene mind that seems to have fallen asleep for eternity.